Love Flushed: All Access Series, #2

By Evie Mitchell

It's about to go down...

Annie
I sell toilet paper for a living. It doesn't seem glamorous but S#!T HAPPENS is going places. We're the fastest growing eco-toilet paper subscription service around. We're amazing—and I should know, I'm my own best customer.
After years of hard work, I have everything I need to take my business to the next level—well, everything except the paper.
When my competition swoops in and offers my supplier a better deal, I'm left up a certain creek without a paddle. I must have done something truly crappy in a previous life because the only person willing to help is my ex-boyfriend, Lincoln 'Linc' Garrett.
The man is arrogant, infuriating, and far too attractive for his own good. Thankfully, I flushed any lingering feelings for him the moment he dumped me all those years ago.
So… how did I end up kissing him?

Linc
Annie and I were hot and heavy in high school. We were the golden couple, ready to ride off into the sunset for our life together.
Until my life went to poop and like the ass I am, I flushed everything good from it.
Now she's back in town and stirring up all kinds of feelings I thought I'd purged. Feels like desire, happiness, and something that feels a whole lot like—NOPE! It's not happening. No way. No how.
Or at least it wasn't. But when Annie's left with no choice but to accept my help, it seems as if my heart might have other ideas.
Looks like s#!t really does happen...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evie Mitchell
• Release date: Nov 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781922561220

Book preview

1

Lincoln

H ow long do we have?

Best-case scenario? Adam Bronze shrugged. Maybe six months.

Shit.

I exchanged a look with my brother.

And worst-case? Theo asked.

Three—if you're lucky.

Fuck, this hurt. I absorbed the blow with the same stoicism I'd displayed in every shitty conversation Theo and I had been subjected to over the last month, forcing myself to ask the hard questions.

What do we need to do to get the mill back on track?

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. The guy didn't look like any accountant I'd ever met. Mid-thirties with a mop of sun-touched auburn hair and tan skin, he looked more like a surfer than a suit.

I'm gonna level with you—a fuck of a lot. Your Dad's been borrowing hand over fist for years. Couple that with the lack of meaningful reinvestment, old machinery, and your narrow market…. He shrugged. I just don't see how it's possible to recover.

The pulp and paper mill had been in our family for six generations. We employed two hundred people—failure wasn't an option.

Humor us, Theo grunted, crossing his arms over his chest.

Adam blew out a sigh. Well, for starters you'd need a cash injection to keep the lights on.

How much?

At least two-fifty.

I nodded, mentally working out which assets we could sell off or remortgage to make the payment.

And you'd need evidence of buyers—new contracts and nothing smaller than four years. You'd have to prove to a bank that you have long-term financial stability in order to get a loan.

Another loan? The new worry added a stone to the already heavy weight on my shoulders.

Adam nodded. Lincoln, I know it seems like a lot but you need to update your equipment. The shit you have is costing you time and money. You need better performance, and you need to diversify.

Diversify?. I’d been foreman for five years, and knew how obsolete the equipment had become.

Copy paper and cardboard aren't going to cut it anymore. You need to move into other product markets—fast food wrappers, napkins, paper towels—hell, even toilet paper. And renewables? He dug through a pile of binders on his desk, pulling one free.

This is a prospectus on the paper recycling market. I pulled it together for Walter last year. Adam paused, wiping dust from the binder face. He, ah, he wasn't that interested.

No doubt, Theo muttered.

All you need to know is in here, but the main thing to consider is a move to recyclables. It's cost-effective, environmentally friendly—which is marketable as shit—and sustainable. Not to mention the profit margins are impressive.

Theo took the offered binder, flicking through the glossy pages. What are we talking money-wise?

With more people choosing to use paper instead of plastic options, you're going to see immediate returns.

A shift to recycling will mean outlays. I shook my head. We can barely afford to pay our employees. How are we going to fund new equipment, training, research… those expenses alone would be prohibitive.

Adam reached across the desk to tap the binder. It's all in here. The state offers grants for manufacturers looking to pivot. But a condition of the grant is your ability to prove you can support your workforce over the next five years. He glanced from me to Theo. You need to find buyers. And not small ones—you need big contracts to land this.

Fuck.

Right. Adam waved us off. Go home, think about what I've suggested and let me know what you decide.

I rose, holding out a hand for him to shake. Thanks. We really appreciate it.

He made a dismissive sound. It's my job to help. And I'd hate if one of the town's oldest businesses—and biggest employers—died on my watch.

I swallowed the bile burning up my throat. We're gonna do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen.

Theo trailed me, an uneasy silence settling between us as we left the accounting office.

Fuck, He slapped against the side of the building. Our own flesh and blood. That fucking motherfucker.

I echoed his sentiment. We need to speak to Walter.

No, we need to report him. Call the cops. Get someone in to investigate what the fuck he's been up to.

I sucked in a breath, reigning in my rage. We need to talk to him. He's the only one who knows the full story.

I jerked open the door to my old pickup, sliding into the driver's seat, and allowing myself the pleasure of slamming the door. Childish? Yes. Needed? Fuck yes.

You really wanna see him right now? Theo asked, tapping the binder against his leg. We're more likely to strangle him than question.

We've got no choice. I rolled my shoulders, trying to work out the tension. Until we know the whole of it, we're gonna be working from a disadvantage.

Gramps should never have left him the business.

I sighed We both know our father is good at hiding his true colors. And Gramps—

Trusted him, Theo finished. The old man only saw the good in people. Fuck.

In unison we scrubbed hands down our faces.

How do you want to play this?

I reached for the pack of antacids I'd begun carrying, popping one to chew.

Prior to a month ago my biggest concern had been what pizza to order. Then Walter had driven into a tree, and my whole fucking world had come tumbling down.

No idea, I admitted. I guess start with him and figure out the rest once we know.

Theo sighed, his eyes shadowed. Do we tell the workers?

Fuck no. I shook my head. Let’s try and get out of this mess before we bring others into it.

I'd worked full time at the mill with my brother since graduating high school. My life had a routine and rhythm to it that, while not thrilling, had meaning. I couldn't imagine a future without the mill.

Shit, I need a drink. I dropped my forehead against the steering wheel, anxiety churning in my gut.

We could go to the nursing home and talk to Dad or we could hit a bar, get drunk, and deal with all this shit tomorrow. Theo tossed the binder onto the dash.

Fuck it. Let's deal with the old guy tomorrow. Tonight, we drink.

I'm down for that.

2

Annie

D amn, I muttered, catching sight of the attractive men entering bar. Damn, damn, damn.

Capricorn Cove was the kind of place where everyone knew or knew of everyone else. At one time I'd loved the community feel that smallness invoked, relishing that I knew all my neighbors by name.

Nearly a decade later, I couldn't think of anything worse.

I spy with my little eye something beginning with ex-boyfriend, my cousin trilled from across the bar.

Looking at us, you wouldn't know Penny and I were related. I worshipped the sun, she lived for the moon. Thin and lean with porcelain skin speckled by a riot of freckles, Penny didn't look like the kind of woman who lived in a coastal town. She burnt if the sun so much as brushed her delicate skin.

Shut your mouth. I gave the men my back, twisting to fully face her. Why are you bothering me? Shouldn't you be serving paying customers?

She laughed, brushing a chunk of red hair away from her face, amusement flashing in her pale blue eyes. Speaking of, where's your date?

I glanced at my watch, my lips pursing into a thin line. Late.

Maybe he stood you up.

I sighed. He wouldn't be the first.

She patted me on the hand. If only you were into girls. All this could be avoided.

I tapped my chin. You say that, and yet you're single. Something doesn't add up, cuz.

"The difference is that I choose to be single. While you? She waved a hand toward her patrons. Slim pickings."

Isn't that the truth?

Anyway, I thought you were meant to be at that big trade show this weekend? she asked, picking up a glass to polish.

Next weekend. I glanced at my watch for the fourth time in as many minutes. Friday to the following Tuesday.

Got your pitch ready?

I nodded, terrified as a big, warm, familiar body slid into the space beside me.

Hey you two, what can I getcha? My cousin switched to customer service mode, discarding the dish rag and half-polished wine flute.

Two beers, whatever's good on tap. Thanks Pen.

I stiffened, leaning away from the man beside me.

Lincoln Garrett.

Big and broad, he'd seemed to be constantly adding muscle and bulk to his already large frame. The boyish awkwardness with which I'd once fallen in love had disappeared, leaving in its place the graceful stride of a man completely at one with his body.

Fine lines had begun to form at the corners of his mouth and eyes, memories of laughter beginning to carve grooves into his skin. A dark beard covered his blunt, square jaw, and rather than hide, it seemed to emphasize his sensual lips. His dark eyes could still pierce me from across a room, his gaze a familiar caress.

Resist, girl! Resist!

Hey, Annie. Linc leaned against the bar, his massive forearms settling on the dark wood. Good to see you.

I twisted, pasting a pleasant smile on my face. Hello, Sir Shithead. I leaned forward a little, nodding at his brother. And Theo. How are you?

Doing alright, Theo said with an amused grin. You gonna give Sir Shithead here a hard time? ’Cause we've had a rough day.

I sized them up, noting the tension in their shoulders and the crinkles around their mouths and eyes.

I looked back to my drink. You may sit beside me quietly. I'm waiting for someone.

They grunted in unison, both pulling out a stool to take a seat.

The twins were identical—or at least they had been, until Theo's accident. He'd lost his right leg and now used a prosthetic.

I shoved the memories away, determined to focus on my upcoming date.

You look nice, Linc finally said after an prolonged silence.

Thank you. I know.

On a date? Theo asked.

She's meant to be but I think he stood her up. My traitorous cousin slid their beers across the bar. You should all go play pool. Cheer each other up. You're ruining the vibe over here.

I shot her a look that promised retribution which she—predictably—ignored.

You're dating? Theo cocked an eyebrow.

I'd always been able to tell them apart, even as kids. Theo asked the questions, always wanting to know more. Linc made the decisions. A natural born leader, where he led others followed.

And for a long time, I'd been willing to let him lead me anywhere.

Dating, I finally said, answering Theo. Is a mild term for the hell of Capricorn Cove's singles pool.

He snorted, raising his beer. I'll drink to that. If you're not related to them, you've already dated them.

Or they've dated your friends.

Or your family.

Or they're divorced.

"Or there's a definite reason they're still single."

We grinned at each other .

Maybe you two should date, Penny offered, watching us with a mischievous smile.

What?

Fuck, no. Theo shuddered. We'd kill each other within five minutes.

She placed the glass she'd been polishing back in its rack. And yet here you are bantering back and forth like lovers. Perhaps there's something there?

I wanted to reach across the bar and cover her mouth to prevent more stupidity from spilling out.

There's not. Linc shoved to his feet, grabbing his beer. A relationship needs sexual chemistry and these two are purely platonic.

I hated that he knew that.

I opened my mouth to protest only to be interrupted by my cell beeping. I glanced down, swiping to read the text.

Parker: Hey Annie, I'm going to cancel. I'm a bit wasted after drinks with the boys. Raincheck?

I stared at the message, irritation popping like corn kernels under heat.

Oh, you want a raincheck do you?

I tapped out a quick reply.

Annie: Raincheck? You cancelling a date when you're already thirty-minutes late is not only disrespectful, it's downright arrogant. Talk about a douchebag move. Goodbye Parker.

I sent the message then tossed my cell back in my clutch, muttering curses directed at the douchebag men of the world.

He stood you up?

I shot Linc a glare. You really want to ask that question?

He raised his hands in surrender. Hey, I'm just saying, his loss.

I slid from my stool to a stand. With the extra inch from my wedges, I could meet his gaze straight on.

You'd know all about that, wouldn't you?

I twirled, storming from the bar, determined to pledge my allegiance to the only men in my life who mattered—fictional characters.

Linc

I watched Annie retreat, her irritation drawn around her like a cloak.

Magnificent.

She paused in the doorway to the bar, her golden eyes flashing. She threw me one last glare before pushing through the doors and disappearing out into the night.

My body displayed a Pavlovian response to her annoyance, aching to bury my dick deep